Ram Rahim Singh conviction: Dera chief's new identity 'Prisoner Number 1997' in Rohtak jail

Self-styled godman, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has been lodged in Sunaria jail's 'approval cell' in Rohtak after he was convicted by a CBI court in a 2002 rape case, officials said on Saturday. The Dera sect head, who is now prisoner number 1997, has been kept in solitary confinement.

Director general of police (prisons) KP Singh said on Saturday he slept on the floor of his cell in the prison barracks like any ordinary prisoner. As per jail sources, the 50-year-old spent a sleepless night. Further, he had one chapati and a glass of milk in the night.

Jail officials have vehemently denied allegations that Gurmeet received any sort of VIP treatment. They claimed that he reached Sunaria around 3.30 pm and after completing the formalities related to the entry of a prisoner, was shifted to his cell.

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Gurmeet’s adopted daughter, Honeypreet, was allowed to accompany him along with bags and suitcases when he was flown in a special helicopter from Panchkula to a resthouse for police officers in Rohtak after the verdict.

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Gurmeet’s conviction on Friday had triggered widespread violence in Haryana and adjoining areas. Haryana DGP has claimed that 36 people have died in the violence whereas 269 others have been injured.